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Upper respiratory tract infections in athletes
Clifton L Page1, Jason J Diehl
1Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center, Columbus, OH 43221, USA.
Clinics in Sports Medicine
|September 11, 2007
Summary
Sports medicine physicians must accurately diagnose and treat upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in athletes. This guide covers common URTIs, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play decisions for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most frequent acute illnesses globally.
- URTIs are the primary reason for acute diagnoses in outpatient healthcare settings.
- Athletes require prompt return to physical activity, necessitating specialized medical management for URTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide sports medicine physicians with a comprehensive overview of URTIs in athletes.
- To detail diagnostic strategies for common URTIs affecting athletic populations.
- To outline effective treatment options and informed return-to-play guidelines for athletes with URTIs.
Main Methods:
- Review of common pathogens causing URTIs in athletes.
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria for conditions like the common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and infectious mononucleosis.
- Analysis of current treatment modalities and return-to-play protocols.
Main Results:
- URTIs are highly prevalent and a leading cause of outpatient visits.
- Accurate diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for athletes' rapid return to play.
- Specific guidance is provided for managing common cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and infectious mononucleosis.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of URTIs is essential for sports medicine physicians.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment facilitate quicker return to athletic participation.
- This article serves as a resource for optimizing athlete recovery from URTIs.
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